Exploring Police Relationships with the Queer Community Through the Work of LGBTQIA2S+ Police Liaison Officers

• In Event: Fraught Relations: LGBTQIA2S+ Populations and Police

Abstract

As of early 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union is actively tracking 409 anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation in the United States. These proposed laws are the latest attempt in a long history of criminalizing the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Now, more than ever, queer communities are in desperate need of protection from law enforcement agencies. Distrust in law enforcement is present within many queer spaces, however. This study aims to explore distrust in law enforcement through semi-structured interviews with queer individuals. Findings include an awareness of the history between law enforcement and queer communities leading to an overall distrust in police. In addition, findings suggest that LGBTQIA2S+ police liaison officers may be part of the answer to ameliorating the aforementioned distrust. While many departments are adopting this position, very few LGBTQIA2S+ individuals know about the position. This suggests that police agencies should better promote the services that the LGBTQIA2S+ liaison officer provides.

Author

• Emily Cooper, Old Dominion University